Starknet Builds Bitcoin Capital Markets Using Zero-Knowledge Technology

Starknet is promoting its zero-knowledge (ZK) proof technology as a unified infrastructure layer for building applications across Bitcoin and Ethereum networks. **Key capabilities highlighted:** - Privacy-focused development tools - Quantum-resistant security features - Cross-chain compatibility with Bitcoin and Ethereum - Scalability for mainstream user adoption - Web2-like user experience for consumer applications The platform emphasizes its ZK-powered approach as a solution for developers seeking to build decentralized applications with enhanced privacy and security properties while maintaining compatibility with major blockchain networks. This messaging follows the Starknet Foundation's recent online hackathon announcement, which offered $21.5K in prizes and ran through February.

Starknet has matured into a comprehensive blockchain platform supporting diverse use cases across six key areas. **Trading & Assets** - Multiple trading venues including AVNU, Ekubo, and Extended (70+ markets) - Cross-chain swaps connecting 20 chains via NEAR Intents - Expanding asset support: BTC, Ethereum, Solana assets, plus native USDC and various stablecoins **Staking & Yield** - STRK and BTC staking through Ready, Braavos, Endur, and Voyager - Yield strategies ranging from simple liquidity provision to institutional-grade options - Platforms include Vesu, Nostra, Troves, and Re7 Capital's Bitcoin Institutional Yield Fund **Real-World Payments** - Ready Card enables Mastercard payments with cashback - Braavos Lightning connects to Lightning Network - MIST.cash offers private payment options **Consumer Applications** - Fully onchain games: Realms, Influence, Loot Survivor, Blob Arena - NFT marketplaces and productivity tools **Additional Features** - Memecoin launching via Unruggable - Asset mixing through Typhoon Mixer - Creator and developer reward programs The ecosystem builds on recent infrastructure upgrades, including LayerZero integration and improved block explorer capabilities through Voyager.

A new block explorer called **Voyager** (@0xvoyageronline) is positioning itself as an alternative solution for tracking onchain activity. **Key Points:** - Aims to simplify the process of monitoring blockchain transactions and activity - Targets both builders and general users - Presents itself as an alternative to existing block explorers The announcement suggests current tools for tracking onchain data may be unnecessarily complex. Voyager appears to be launching with a focus on improved user experience for blockchain data exploration. No specific technical features or supported chains were detailed in the announcement.

A discussion on **Noon Capital** and the future of stablecoins is scheduled for today at 3:00 PM UTC. The session will explore how **safety and yield can coexist** in stablecoin design, challenging the traditional assumption that users must choose between security and returns. - The conversation builds on previous industry discussions about yield-bearing stablecoins - Noon Capital's approach to balancing risk and reward will be examined - The session aims to provide insights into emerging stablecoin models This follows earlier presentations on yield-bearing stablecoins at industry events, indicating growing interest in stablecoins that offer both stability and returns.

Onchain games are restructuring the gaming industry by operating as public protocols rather than controlled platforms. **Key structural changes:** - No publisher fees or platform gatekeeping - Policy changes cannot disrupt in-game economies - Players and developers connect permissionlessly - Multiple clients, modes, and markets share the same underlying state **Economic shift:** Value creation moves from centralized entities to network participants. Peer-to-peer interactions replace traditional corporate extraction models. This architecture allows games to persist independently of their original creators, addressing the common issue of games becoming unplayable when companies shut down servers.